Locomotive frame



F 11, 1930- c. c. c. BURKHARDT LOCOMOTIVE FRAME Filed March 1929 |l ll (nmd C C Barflardi Patented Feb. 11, 1930 UNETEE STATES PATENT reins LOCOMOTIVE FRAME Application filed March 5,

This invention relates to locomotive frame structures which support the boiler and the running gear upon the axles of a locomotive, and through which the tractive effort developed by the engine of the locomotive is transmitted to the draw bar of the locomotive.

The object of my invention is to make the frame of a number of units, which are secured together by welding, bolting, or riveting, in place of making these large structures in single castings, and thusavoid the difliculty in making perfect castings of large size.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one type of locomotive frame illustrating my invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one of the units;

Fig. 3 is a sectional plan view; and

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line H, 3.

In the present instance, 1 is a cylinder saddle unit, consisting of the central section 2, cylinders 3, cylindrical valve chests 4, and saddle 5. These parts are shown diagrammatically, as it will be understood that the cylinder unit will depend upon the type of locomotive.

6 is the bumper unit, consisting of a bump or beam 7, side frames 8 which are welded in the present instance to the forward end of the cylinder structure 1. The cylinder structure has a rearwardly extending portion 9 in the present instance to which a unit 10 is secured by welding on the line a2. There are a number of these units 10 which are Welded one to another on the lines ccm as shown in Fig. 1, and each of these units has pedestals 11 for the axle boxes of the locomotive. These pedestals are preferably made U-shape in cross-section, as well as the side flanges 12 of the top plates 13 of the sections 10.

Projecting from the lower portion of each pedestal are portions 13 of tie members which are also U-shape in cross-section.

These tie members secure the pedestal of one section to a pedestal of an adjoining section. Each of the sections 10 has two cross members 14.- extending from the pedestal on one side to a pedestal on the opposite side of the unit, and each unit has a horizontal bottom 1929. Serial No. 344,382.

plate 15 on each side of the pedestal opening in the present instance.

In order to further strengthen each unit, a longitudinal rib 16 is provided, the portion 16 of the rib being of such a depth as to clear the axle which is located in the boxes mounted between the pedestals. Slots 17 are formed in the top plate 18 of each unit for the spring staples of the equalizing gear (not shown). Other openings may be provided 50 where found necessary in order to lighten the units.

18 is a rear frame, which includes a portion 10 which is similar to one of the units 10, side bars 19, and an end bar 20 in which is formed a draw pocket of any suitable type. The detailed construction of this rear frame will depend upon the type of locomotive to which the invention is applied.

This invention is particularly adapted as a substitute for the large one-piece castings which are now being utilized for the frames of locomotives. Some one-piece locomotive frame castings that have been made have shown cracks due to various causes, and also shrinkage variations. These imperfections have been remedied in the past by the aid of welding, which afforded the means of repairing the cracks and spongy sections. Castings of such giant proportions tax the ma- 5 chine departments to the utmost, and where only one casting is required the cost of the pattern work is prohibitive relatively, but by making the locomotive frame in a number of units which are secured together preferably by welding, the units can be machined prior to assembly, and if there are any defects in the unit, the unit can be discarded or repaired. Where the sections are secured by bolts, the sections may be keyed together, or 0 splice plates or bolt-straps may be used in such units where riveting or welding is employed.

While I have shown the units assembled to form a frame for a lO-wheel locomotive, the number of units will depend upon the type of locomotive for which the frame is intended.

I claim 2-- 1. The combination in a locomotive, of a.

number of units secured together end-to-end, each unit having atop plate, side members including pedestals, cross members extending from one side of the unit to the other, a cylinder unit, and a rear unit.

2. The combination in a locomotive frame made of a number of units, consisting of a cylinder unit, a bumper unit, a rear unit, and intervening pedestal units secured together end-to-end.

3. A unit for a locomotive frame, consisting of a top plate, a pair of depending pedestals U-shape in crosssection, cross members extending from the pedestal on one side to a pedestal on the opposite side of a unit, and a central longitudinal rib.

4. A cast unit for a locomotive frame, consisting of a top plate, two pedestals for each side, cross members extending from the pedestals on one side to those on the opposite side, and tie members projecting from the lower portions of the pedestals and arranged to be secured to the tie members of adjoining units.

5. The combination in a unit for a loco motive frame, of a top plate; pedestals projecting from each side of the top plate; transverse tie members extending from the pedestals on one side to those on the opposite side; a central longitudinalweb and bottom plates extending from the forward and rear extensions on one side to those on each side of the opening between the pedestals.

6. The combination in a locomotive frame, of a series of units, each unit having pedestals for the axle boxes and upper and lower connecting members; a cylinder unit; a bumper unit at the forward end; and a frame forming the rear unit and having side bars and an end bar, the several units being secured together by Welding.

CONRAD C. C. BURKHARDT. 

